Carberry Residents Demand Province Rethink Dangerous Highway Intersection Redesign After Fatal Crash
Carberry, Manitoba – Residents of Carberry are fiercely pushing back against the Manitoba government's plans to redesign the notoriously dangerous intersection of Highway 5 and the Trans-Canada Highway, the site of a tragic fatal crash in 2023. The community believes the proposed changes, part of the province’s RCUT (Restricted Crossing Under Turn) plan, don’t adequately address safety concerns and could potentially create new hazards.
The intersection has been a source of worry for years, with numerous accidents and near misses. The devastating crash last year, which claimed lives and left others injured, served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by the current configuration. While the province’s intention to improve safety is acknowledged, residents argue that the RCUT design is not the answer.
“We understand the province wants to do something, but this RCUT isn’t it,” stated a spokesperson for the Carberry Residents’ Safety Committee, a group formed to advocate for improved safety measures. “We've been raising concerns about this intersection for years, and this design just feels like a band-aid solution that doesn't address the root of the problem – the high volume of traffic and the limited visibility.”
The RCUT design, which allows vehicles turning left to proceed only when a signal indicates it’s safe, has been implemented in other areas of Manitoba. However, residents argue that the specific conditions at the Carberry intersection – including the speed of traffic on the Trans-Canada Highway and the frequent merging of vehicles – make it particularly unsuitable for this type of design.
Key Concerns Raised by Residents Include:
- Increased Congestion: Residents fear the RCUT will create significant delays and congestion, especially during peak travel times.
- Reduced Visibility: Concerns have been raised that the design may actually reduce visibility for drivers, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Confusion for Drivers: Some worry that the RCUT system will be confusing for drivers, particularly those unfamiliar with the area.
- Lack of Consultation: Residents express frustration over what they perceive as a lack of meaningful consultation with the community regarding the redesign.
The Residents’ Safety Committee has presented alternative proposals to the province, including a full interchange or a roundabout, which they believe would provide a more comprehensive and effective solution. They are urging the government to reconsider the RCUT plan and engage in a more collaborative process with the community.
“We’re not against improving safety,” emphasized the spokesperson. “We’re simply asking the province to listen to our concerns and consider alternatives that will truly make this intersection safer for everyone. We want a solution that works, not just a solution that looks good on paper.”
The future of the intersection remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the residents of Carberry are determined to fight for a safer road and a design that prioritizes the well-being of their community. The province has indicated it will review the residents’ feedback and consider their suggestions, but no timeline for a decision has been announced.